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About this project

We are . . .
people who remember what real soda used to be like. We remember soda that was local. That all soda used to come in a returnable glass bottle. That soda companies used to have their own bottle designs (not generic throw away plastic bottles that are filling up our landfills), and that soda was made from a few ingredients--water, pure cane sugar, and premium flavors (no odd energy enhancing chemicals, no high fructose corn syrup, no extra preservatives).

Whistler Root Beer

We remember . . . soda being a treat. We remember Mom bringing home an 8 pack of returnable bottles and telling us kids that we each got one. We remember saving ours for the Sunday football games, popping the top off, hearing that "pfft" sound, and sipping ice cold soda while watching the game.

Whistler Cherry Vanilla Cola

We promise . . . to bring back the soda of the 50's, 60's, and 70's. To reintroduce Minnesotans to local soda. To bring back that classic soda flavor. To bring the returnable glass soda bottle back to families across the state of Minnesota. And to connect with our community to make a positive difference.

How Will We Use Kickstarter Funds?

We have been working on returning returnable glass bottle soda to Minneapolis and St. Paul--and eventually the state of Minnesota and beyond, for over 2 years. In order to make our dream a reality, we need to purchase 80,000 heavy glass bottles. We are very close. A bottle factory is awaiting our order.

We will be using Kickstarter funds, in combination with private investor funds, and bank loans to open the only soda manufacturing facility in Minnesota, making classic soda and packaging it in a returnable glass bottle.

The money we raise through this Kickstarter campaign will be used to place our first bottle order.

Connect with Us:

Risks and challenges

We have been planning Whistler's launch of a returnable glass bottle soda program in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN for two years. We have meticulously researched, established contracts with suppliers, formed partnerships with area businesses, worked with designers, artists, marketing teams, and community organizations. We are VERY confident that Whistler is ready to launch.

However, all successful ventures face obstacles. We will work with two primary companies for the fabrication of our bottle filling equipment and the manufacturing of our bottles. We have planned for the possibility that there could be delays in the manufacturing of these vital components. If delays occur, we have a strong contingency plan--one that will allow us to produce our products, until our filling equipment arrives.

Rewards

$5 reward

With a $5 contribution, your name will be added to the "Whistler Launch Team", proudly displayed on our website and integrated into the design of our first promotional, ultra-stylish T-Shirt.

Estimated delivery:Feb 2014

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$15 reward

6 backers

* * * 'Nother Sip Level * * *

With a $15 contribution, we will reward you with 6 custom-made Whistler Classic Soda bottle cap magnets. These unique and colorful magnets will decorate your fridge as a constant symbol of your support for Whistler's returnable bottle launch with all-out retro-style. In addition, your name will be added to our "Whistler Launch Team" and will be featured on our website and our T-shirt.

Estimated delivery:Feb 2014

Only ships to: United States

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$30 reward

16 backers

* * * Triple Sip Level * * *

With a $30 contribution, we will reward you with our Trio Sampler Pack of Whistler Classic Soda delivered to your doorstep. You choose the flavors, we ship 'em, and you sip 'em. Save the empty bottles or return them to any of our retailers for a deposit. It's your choice at the triple sip level. In addition, your name will be added to our "Whistler Launch Team" and will be featured on our website and our T-shirt.

Estimated delivery:Feb 2014

Only ships to: United States

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$100 reward

7 backers

* * * One Last Sip Level * * *

With a $100 contribution you get all Sip level rewards: Your name added to our launch team, 6 Whistler magnets, the Trio Sampler Pack, AND a custom-made, limited quantity Whistler T-shirt (with your name added as a launch team member).

Estimated delivery:Feb 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

$250 reward

0 backers

* * * Gulp Level * * *

With a $250 contribution, you are rewarded with an 8 bottle variety pack of Whistler, a limited edition, 18''x24''--numbered and signed, Whistler promotional poster--created by our artist, a stylish Whistler T-Shirt, and your name added to our "Whistler Launch Team."

Estimated delivery:Apr 2014

Only ships to: United States

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$500 reward

0 backers

* * * Mega Gulp Level * * *
With a $500 contribution, you are rewarded with a front row seat in Whistler Soda School. Round up a 6 pack of friends or family for this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Spend two hours at our facility with our master soda makers, learning how to make soda--from raw ingredients to capping the bottle on the finished product. And of course, everyone in your group will leave with an 8-pack of Whistler to go. In addition, your name will be added to our "Whistler Launch Team" and will be featured on our website and our T-shirt.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2014

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$1,000 reward

0 backers

* * * Guzzle Level * * *

With a $1000 contribution, you are rewarded with all Sip level rewards AND a Whistler party. You plan the party--and we bring the refreshments. Just tell us when and where (after February 2014) and we'll deliver 4 cases of Whistler variety packs (96 bottles) to your front door. We'll also include a custom-made, Whistler bottle opener--crafted by us from reclaimed hardwood. Local delivery only (within 100 miles of Minneapolis/St. Paul).

Estimated delivery:Feb 2014

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$1,600 reward

0 backers

* * * Slug Level * * *

With a $1600 contribution, you are rewarded with all "Sip" level rewards AND a long-distance Whistler Party. We will ship you 4 cases of Whistler and a custom-made, Whistler bottle opener--crafted by us from reclaimed hardwood.

Estimated delivery:Apr 2014

Only ships to: United States

You selected

$2,500 reward

0 backers

* * * Chug Level * * *

With a $2500 contribution, you are rewarded with all "Sip" level rewards AND a First Class Whistler Party. You plan the event and the Whistler Truck, our custom beverage truck, will show up at your event and will serve all the soda your guests can drink for 3 hours. We'll also include a custom-made, Whistler bottle opener--crafted by us from reclaimed hardwood.

Just let us know when and where you're having an event--and we'll be there (after July 2014).

$10,000 reward

0 backers

* * * Drain the Whole Bottle Level * * *

With a $10,000 contribution, you are rewarded all "Sip" level rewards, all "Gulp" level rewards, and you are invited to join the Whistler team. You will work with Whistler to create your own soda. You'll work with our flavorists to craft a flavor, our artists to design a cap, and our marketing team to develop marketing materials, and our production team to create your soda from syrup to bottling the finished product.

Your soda will be added to our lineup, your name will appear in marketing material as a creator, and your soda will be produced and distributed as long as Whistler is producing soda. Of course, you'll receive a healthy supply of your soda--5 cases.

Estimated delivery:Jul 2014

Funding period

Sep 23, 2013 - Oct 23, 2013
(30 days)

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